A town’s fifth Co-op store is to open on a controversial new-build estate set to feature 725 homes.

Bosses at the chain have agreed a deal to operate a shop on the ‘Large Burton’ development, officially known as 'Conningbrook Park', in Kennington, Ashford.

The store, which developers Quinn Estates already have planning permission to build, is to be erected opposite a community centre just off A2070 Willesborough Road.

Fifteen jobs are set to be created at the shop, which bosses say will not affect the existing Kennington Co-op in Faversham Road.

The chain currently operates three other stores in the town, with units in Godinton Park, Brookfield Court, and Willesborough.

It also has shops in Wye and Sellindge, and has been linked to a site in Charing.

A Co-op spokesman said: "We are continually looking for new locations to open convenience stores, and we are pleased that there is an opportunity to serve and support the Conningbrook Park community.

“The Co-op would lease the completed store once the developer has built it. It is too early to confirm a launch date."

Although Quinn Estates gained planning permission in 2020, it has asked Ashford Borough Council (ABC) if it can reduce the size of the sales area at the shop, and cut the number of parking spaces from 36 to 34.

They say the development "will continue to meet ABC parking standards" and the proposed changes "would not significantly alter the appearance or function of the development".

The shop is set to be built on the ground floor of a new flat block close to an access point off Willesborough Road.

Housebuilder Redrow is currently working on the first phase of the development, which includes 288 homes.

The scheme is also set to feature a new venue for Ashford Town Bowls Club, a footbridge over the railway line, 7.4 acres of new wetlands, and a two-form entry primary school, to be called Conningbrook CofE Primary.

Detailed plans for the remaining 437 homes are yet to be revealed, but outline consent has been secured.

A section 106 agreement – a developer contribution designed to offset the effect of housebuilding – means the land for the school will be handed over to Kent County Council before 180 homes have been sold.

The new home for Ashford Town Bowls Club will come later when 300 homes are occupied, although a timeline for when the club will leave its current base in Vicarage Lane is not yet clear.

The new bridge crossing the railway line was given the go-ahead in September, despite concerns over its appearance and potential harm to wildlife.

The structure will replace the current level crossing over the Ashford to Canterbury line and will link the under-construction housing scheme with Conningbrook Lakes Country Park and the nearby Conningbrook Lakes housing estate.

The project – which is in ABC's Local Plan – was met with more than 1,000 objections before it was given the green light by the authority.

New traffic lights controlling a pedestrian crossing on Willesborough Road were expected to be turned on in February, but remain covered.